Rebel
Primarily a girl's name of Old French origin with 1,438 recorded births. Also given to 932 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A Confederate soldier; of the American Civil War.
Rebel is a girl's and boy's baby name of English origin, drawn from the common word meaning 'one who resists authority' or 'defiant spirit' — from the Latin rebellis, 'making war again.' As a given name, it projects boldness, independence, and a refusal to conform.
Australian actress Rebel Wilson brought this name considerable pop culture visibility, embodying exactly the qualities the name suggests: wit, confidence, and a willingness to be different. It sits alongside other fearless word names like Brave, True, and Fierce that appeal to parents who want their child's name to be a statement of values.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Rebel belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Old French naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Old French names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Rebel’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rebel climbed 15507 spots in the last 20 years — from #18186 to #2679.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 418 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 578 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 41 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 35 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 56 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 78 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 156 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 54 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 17 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 5 | — |
The Story of Rebel
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2021, Rebel is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Rebel are most likely born between 2011 and 2024.
How rare is Rebel?
Only about 1 in every 55,385 babies born in 2024 was named Rebel — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1912, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 578 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Rebel by the numbers
- Would fill 30 school buses
- Meeting one Rebel per day would take 3.9 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(61 years, 1912–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 65 | #2679 |
| 2023 | 61 | #2812 |
| 2022 | 68 | #2598 |
| 2021 | 130 | #1620 |
| 2020 | 94 | #2001 |
| 2019 | 85 | #2187 |
| 2018 | 106 | #1894 |
| 2017 | 72 | #2503 |
| 2016 | 102 | #1967 |
| 2015 | 84 | #2252 |
| 2014 | 58 | #2967 |
| 2013 | 47 | #3398 |
| 2012 | 6 | #16429 |
| 2011 | 8 | #13109 |
| 2010 | 10 | #11065 |
| 2009 | 5 | #19571 |
| 2008 | 10 | #11423 |
| 2007 | 5 | #19857 |
| 2006 | 6 | #16669 |
| 2005 | 5 | #18542 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Rebel as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Rebel has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 932 births since 1954.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rebel a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rebel most popular?
How popular is the name Rebel?
Can Rebel be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1912–2024